Pubic Lice or Crabs

What are pubic lice/Crabs?

Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny, black, insect/spider-like animals that cling to human hair and can cause itching. They lay eggs on the pubic hair which appear as tiny white specks. Their medical name is Phthirus Pubis, which stands for the crab louse.

The craps/lice found in pubic hair differ from those found in the scalp. Pubic lice/crabs can also be found in beards, armpits, chest hair and eyelashes though.

How is it transmitted?

In most cases, pubic lice/crabs are passed on during physical contact with a person who has them, where pubic hair or other hair touches. Pubic lice/crabs can also be transmitted through sharing towels, sheets or clothing, since they can survive for some time away from the body and thrive in warm, moist conditions.

Symptoms of Pubic Lice/Crabs

Symptoms of pubic lice or craps include:

Itchiness in the pubic hair, which is caused by the bites of the lice as they suck blood